Posted: Thursday, May 22, 2025. 4:00 pm CST.
By Horace Palacio: Belizeans are some of the most hardworking, family-oriented people in the world. When they leave their country — whether legally or not — it’s not because they don’t love home. It’s because they’re chasing the same thing every parent, every young person, every dreamer wants: a better life. A steady job. A secure home. A future for their kids. That choice to leave isn’t easy. It’s a sacrifice. So when Belizeans return — whether voluntarily or by deportation — it’s time we stop treating them like failures or criminals, and instead look inward and ask: What can we do to make sure the next generation doesn’t feel the need to leave in the first place?
We have to stop framing deportees as statistics or shame. These are our brothers, our daughters, our fathers, our neighbors. Many of them left with a purpose, worked hard, sent money home, paid school fees, and built houses for family members who couldn’t. That is not forgetting where you came from. That is holding Belize close to your heart even while navigating a world that doesn’t always welcome you. And if they come home, it should be with support — not side eyes and TV cameras.
But even more important than how we treat returnees is how we build a Belize that people are proud to live in and willing to fight for. It’s possible. We’re not short on talent. We’re not short on land. We’re not short on potential. What we’ve lacked is a bold, unified plan to unlock it.
The government can play a transformational role. First, make land accessible, especially to young people who want to build homes or start farms. Too many Belizeans feel land ownership is a dream reserved for the connected few. That must change. Second, invest in technical and vocational training. Not everyone wants a university degree — and not everyone needs one. We need mechanics, welders, electricians, chefs, farmers, boat captains, and IT workers. If we train our people in practical, in-demand skills, they’ll have the confidence to build a life here. Third, support small businesses with financing and tax breaks, especially in agriculture, eco-tourism, and manufacturing. If a Belizean wants to open a shop, plant a field, or build a brand — the government should be their partner, not their obstacle.
We also need to reform how we do taxes and licensing, making it easier to register a business, get approvals, and pay taxes digitally. The easier it is to start something in Belize, the more people will stay and invest right here. And when Belizeans do well, celebrate them — don’t tear them down for not giving everyone a “Lee something.” Let’s shift from envy to encouragement.
We should also be helping returnees reintegrate. Many come home with experience, skills, and ideas. Give them a fast-track to register businesses, access land, or apply their trades here. Welcome them, not just with open arms, but with opportunities.
Belize doesn’t need to compete with the United States. We just need to provide the basics with dignity: safety, opportunity, ownership, and respect. People don’t leave paradise — they leave when paradise isn’t working for them. If we want to reduce migration, let’s stop blaming those who left, and start building the Belize they wanted to find when they got back.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Horace Palacio, and do not necessarily reflect the views or editorial stance of Breaking Belize News.
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The post Let’s build a Belize no one wants to leave appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Belizeans are some of the most hardworking, family-oriented people in the world. When they leave their country — whether legally or not — it’s not because they don’t love home. It’s because they’re chasing the same thing every parent, every young person, every dreamer wants: a better life. A steady job. A secure home. A future for their kids. That choice to leave isn’t easy. It’s a sacrifice. So when Belizeans return — whether voluntarily or by deportation — it’s time we stop treating them like failures or criminals, and instead look inward and ask: What can we do to make sure the next generation doesn’t feel the need to leave in the first place?
The post Let’s build a Belize no one wants to leave appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
